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Elliott Barnes at AD Intérieurs 2017

Elliott Barnes returns to AD Intérieurs this year with an ambitious installation that marries 17th-century artistry with 21st-century savoir faire.

Called "Le Salon d'un Collectionneur de Monnaie" in honor of the famous French sculptor and engraver, Jean Varin, and the coins and medals that he produced, Barnes' installation is found just after a whimsical, yet elegant installation of chandeliers by Mathieu Lustrerie at Le Monnaie de Paris.

Varin was named contrôleur et graveur général des monnaies de France (controller and engraver of French currencies) in 1647. He popularized the use of the coin press, replacing the manual production of coins by hammering. Barnes was inspired by Varin's innovations to pay homage to Varin and to create several avant-garde works of his own.

In the passageway between the chandelier installation and "Le Salon" sits a console that evokes the coin press that Varin championed.

Vegetal leather (leather tanned with vegetal components instead of heavy metals) is the "star" of Barnes' installation. It is his reference to the leather apron Varin wore when he worked. The uninitiated will find it difficult to spot most of the pieces made of this material and will be astonished upon discovering the items that are made from it!

The bench pictured below is a great example. It is composed almost entirely of pleated leather. The only element not made of leather is the tension rods that keep the folds intact.

AD Intérieurs 2017 will be open until September 20. Barnes will be on site from 2 PM to 4 PM on September 16, 17, and 19 to present his exquisite work. If you're in Paris, be sure to get over to La Monnaie de Paris to see it!